Penrose Point State Park Camping Guide 2025

Searching for a quiet, scenic coastal spot in western Washington? Penrose Point State Park is one we love to recommend. Nestled along the shores of Mayo Cove and Carr Inlet, this peaceful 165-acre park on the Key Peninsula offers forested trails, saltwater access, and a more relaxed camping experience than some of the bigger coastal parks.

What makes Penrose Point special isn’t just the scenery—though the driftwood-lined beaches and thick Douglas fir forests are stunning—it’s also the atmosphere. It feels tucked away, quieter, and more personal. There’s a mix of tidepooling, kayaking, walking, and just sitting by the water doing absolutely nothing. It’s perfect if you’re not into big crowds or overly developed campgrounds. Families, solo campers, and small groups all seem to find their space here.

---

How to Get There

Penrose Point State Park is located on the Key Peninsula in Pierce County, about 90 minutes from Seattle and roughly 45 minutes from Tacoma, depending on traffic.

If you’re driving from Tacoma, the easiest route is via WA-16 west toward Gig Harbor, then south on WA-302 through Key Center. The final few miles wind through a forested two-lane road until you reach the park entrance. It’s clearly marked, and there’s a main parking area near the day-use beach and trailheads.

The nearest small town is Lakebay, which is just a couple miles away. It’s a good spot to fuel up or grab any last-minute supplies. Don’t expect a major grocery store, but there’s usually a small market open for snacks and essentials.

Parking is available near the day-use area and along the campground loops, but it’s limited—especially during weekends in late spring through early fall. Arriving early helps, especially if you’re visiting for just the day or hoping to snag a quieter site.

---

Permits and Fees

To enter Penrose Point, you’ll need a Washington State Discover Pass. It’s required for both day use and overnight camping.

• Day Use: $10 per vehicle per day
• Annual Discover Pass: $30 for unlimited access to state parks for a year

If you’re planning to camp, there’s an additional nightly camping fee:

• Standard Campsites: Around $20–30 per night depending on the season
• Hiker/Biker Sites: About $12 per night
• No hookups available at any sites

All fees can be paid online when reserving your campsite, or at the self-pay station near the entrance if you’re arriving without a reservation. Just keep in mind: during the summer, reserving in advance is strongly recommended. Sites fill up fast on weekends.

---

Camping Rules and Regulations

Penrose Point offers designated campsites only—dispersed camping is not permitted anywhere in the park. It’s a small, maintained campground, and that’s part of what makes it feel clean and organized. You’ll find basic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits at most sites, but no showers or RV hookups.

Here are some key things to know:

• Campfires are allowed in designated rings only, but check burn bans, especially during late summer. You can buy firewood on-site from the camp host (if present) or bring local wood.
• Maximum group size per site is usually 8 people and 2 vehicles.
• Generator use is limited to certain hours (typically 8 AM–9 PM).
• Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 6:30 AM. They’re pretty strictly followed here—it’s one of the reasons the campground feels peaceful.
• Check-in/out times: Check-in is usually after 2:30 PM, and check-out is by 1 PM.

Leave No Trace practices are expected. You’ll see signage reminding visitors to pack out all trash and avoid trampling delicate areas, especially near the shoreline. There are no garbage bins at each site, so bring your own trash bags and dispose of everything properly in the central waste area.

---

Best Camping Spots and Recommendations

Penrose Point has about 80 standard campsites spread out across two loops. Some are closer together, while others feel more secluded. Overall, the vibe is quiet and family-friendly—great if you’re looking for a peaceful night under the trees.

Here’s what we recommend based on what you’re looking for:

• For privacy and space: Sites in the back of Loop B (especially 61–70) are more tucked away. These tend to be quieter, with thicker forest between neighbors.
• For beach access: Sites near the front of Loop A (around 1–10) are just a short walk to the beach and picnic area. They’re more open and social—great if you’re camping with kids or meeting up with others.
• For a more rustic feel: The hiker/biker sites are smaller and more primitive, but they’re shaded and away from the main RV area. They’re ideal for tent campers traveling light.
• Avoid the main road side if you’re a light sleeper. While traffic is minimal, you might hear occasional noise early in the morning.

Crowds start picking up in late May and stay steady through Labor Day. Weekends are definitely busier, but weekdays—especially in early June or late September—still feel peaceful. If you want to avoid the rush and enjoy quieter trails and more relaxed beach time, planning mid-week is the way to go.

---

Hiking Trails and Routes

If you’re heading to Penrose Point, you’ll want to carve out some time to walk the trails. While it’s not a park known for backcountry hiking, it does have a cozy network of trails that are easy to explore and full of charm.

The main Penrose Point Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that winds through thick forests of western red cedar and Douglas fir, skirts along saltwater shoreline, and gives you peek-a-boo views of the Olympic Mountains across the water. The terrain is mostly flat, so it’s perfect for a laid-back hike, especially with kids or a dog on a leash.

There’s also a short spur trail out to the Sand Spit Viewpoint, which is especially pretty at low tide when sandbars and tidal pools are exposed. You might spot herons, eagles, or even sea stars if you’re lucky. The park map posted at the entrance and trail junctions is pretty helpful, but it doesn’t hurt to snap a photo of it with your phone before heading out.

One thing we’d suggest: wear waterproof shoes or boots if you’re planning to walk the shoreline or hike during a damp morning. The trail can get muddy in places, especially near the cove.

---

Packing List and Gear Guide

Even though Penrose Point isn’t a remote or rugged park, it still helps to come prepared—especially if you’re camping for more than a night. Here’s a quick list of gear we recommend bringing based on the terrain and conditions:

Essentials:

• A good quality tent with a rainfly (Washington weather can be unpredictable)
• Tarp or footprint to keep your tent base dry
• Sleeping pad and warm sleeping bag (nights can get cool, even in summer)
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries (the campground gets dark fast)
• Bug spray and citronella candles (mosquitoes can be thick at dusk)

Sand and shoreline gear:

• Lightweight camp chairs for sitting near the beach
• Quick-dry towels
• A small dry bag for valuables if you’re paddling or tidepooling
• Water shoes or old sneakers—the shore has slick rocks and seaweed patches

Storage and food safety:

• Cooler with ice packs
• Latching storage bins or odor-proof bags to keep critters (mostly raccoons) out of your food
• Dry bags or plastic totes to store clothes in case of rain

---

Water and Food Tips

Here’s one thing to plan ahead for: there’s no potable water available at Penrose Point State Park’s campsites. That means you’ll need to bring all your drinking water with you or use a proper water filtration method if you’re getting water from natural sources.

If you’re planning to stay more than a night, we recommend at least one gallon of water per person per day, more if it’s hot or you’ll be cooking a lot. Some campers bring large water containers and refill in nearby towns like Lakebay, but filtering local water (from Mayo Cove or nearby creeks) is another option—with a solid filtration or purification system, of course.

As for food, raccoons are known to roam the campground at night, and they’re bold. So storing your food securely is essential. Keep everything sealed and inside a bin or vehicle when not in use. Don’t leave snacks or garbage out, even for a few minutes. This is a small park, and if wildlife gets too comfortable with campers, it can cause long-term issues for everyone.

---

Best Time to Visit and Weather Tips

The camping season at Penrose Point usually runs from late spring through early fall, and each season brings something different:

• May to June: Fresh greenery, wildflowers, and quieter campgrounds. There’s still a chance of rain, but bugs are minimal and temps are mild.
• July to August: The warmest and driest time of year. The park is most popular during this stretch, especially on weekends. Expect more families, kayakers, and longer daylight hours.
• September: A favorite month for those seeking solitude. Crowds taper off after Labor Day, but the weather often stays dry and pleasant for another few weeks.
• October and beyond: Camping is still possible, but wet weather becomes the norm. Many visitors come just for the day.

Bug-wise, mosquitoes are active in late spring and early summer, especially near the water and after sunset. We’d suggest packing repellents and keeping your tent zipped tight.

Sudden weather shifts are common, so a light rain jacket and layered clothing are your best bet. Evenings can drop into the 50s even in summer, so don’t forget that extra hoodie or blanket.

---

Safety and Navigation

While Penrose Point isn’t a wilderness park, it’s still important to stay safe—especially since some areas don’t have great cell reception.

Here are a few things we’d recommend:

• Download an offline map of the area in case your signal drops. Some parts of the park have dead zones, especially near the beach.
• The trail network is short and well-marked, but it’s still easy to lose your way at dusk or if fog rolls in. Stick to the main trails, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
• If you’re tidepooling or exploring the sand spit, pay attention to the tide schedule. Incoming tides can creep up quickly and catch people off guard.
• Let someone know your plans if you’re hiking alone or arriving late. There’s usually a ranger or camp host around, but not always.

Emergency help isn’t far, but the park is a bit remote. If something serious happens, you’ll likely need to call 911 from a spot with cell reception and wait for assistance from local responders.

---

Leave No Trace Principles

We always encourage following Leave No Trace principles—especially at smaller parks like Penrose Point, where even a little wear can have a big impact. It’s a gorgeous place with fragile shoreline ecosystems, mossy forest floors, and tons of wildlife that depend on a clean, undisturbed habitat.

Here’s what we recommend to minimize your footprint:

• Pack it in, pack it out – Every scrap of food, every wrapper, even organic waste like orange peels and sunflower shells. Trash bins are limited, and raccoons love when campers get lazy.
• Stay on the trails – The forest understory is delicate, and even a few off-trail footsteps can start erosion or crush plant life.
• Respect tidepool life – If you explore the sand spit or rocky shore, keep your distance from sea stars, crabs, and anemones. Avoid turning over rocks or touching marine creatures.
• Use a camp stove instead of an open fire – Fires are allowed in designated rings only (if not under a burn ban), but we’d suggest using a portable stove for cooking. It’s faster, safer, and way cleaner.
• Keep noise down – This is a peaceful park. The quieter it stays, the more likely you are to hear owls, see deer, or catch a glimpse of a fox along the trail.
• Leave what you find – Shells, feathers, driftwood—it’s all part of the environment. Take photos, not souvenirs.

Following these practices helps ensure the park stays as beautiful for the next group of campers as it was when you arrived.

---

Nearby Attractions

If you have time to explore beyond the park, there’s a lot to see nearby. Penrose Point is tucked into a quiet corner of Key Peninsula, but you’re not far from a handful of low-key attractions that round out the experience.

• Joemma Beach State Park – Just about 5 miles away, this is a quieter state park with a nice rocky beach, a boat launch, and occasional eagle sightings. Great for a picnic.
• Lakebay Marina – A few minutes from the park entrance. There’s a small general store, kayak rentals, and a spot to grab coffee or snacks.
• Peninsula Historical Museum – Located in Vaughn, about 15 minutes away. If you’re interested in the area’s logging and maritime past, this little stop is worth a visit.
• Gig Harbor – Around 35–40 minutes east, this harbor town is perfect if you want to stroll a charming waterfront, grab a bite, or stop by a brewery on your way home.

You won’t find tourist crowds or flashy attractions here—just simple, local experiences that complement your time at camp.

---

Suggested Itineraries

If you’re not sure how to structure your stay, here are two simple itineraries we’d suggest depending on how much time you have.

1-Night Quick Trip:

• When to Arrive: Late morning or early afternoon to secure a good site.
• What to Pack: Light food, a camp stove, one full gallon of water per person, bug spray, layers.
• Where to Camp: Choose a site close to the trailhead or restroom for convenience.
• What to Do: Hike the loop trail in the afternoon, watch the sunset from the sand spit, cook dinner, and stargaze.
• Tip: Head down to the beach early in the morning while it’s still quiet—perfect for photos and tidepooling.

2-3 Night Adventure:

• When to Arrive: Ideally on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds.
• What to Pack: Extra layers, a food storage bin, folding chairs, extra water or filtration system, a good book or games.
• Where to Camp: Choose a more private spot at the far end of the loop for more space and quieter evenings.
• What to Do:
  • Day 1: Set up camp, relax on the beach, and enjoy a casual dinner.
  • Day 2: Take the full loop hike in the morning, explore nearby Joemma Beach in the afternoon, and kayak or paddleboard if you have gear.
  • Day 3: Visit Lakebay Marina or nearby towns before heading out.
• Tip: Bring binoculars—there’s plenty of birdwatching along the shore and in the trees.

---

Frequently Asked Questions